Alise Zariņa: Latvian Filmmaker Redefining Contemporary Cinema

Alise Zariņa is a Latvian writer and director quickly gaining international recognition for her bold and insightful filmmaking. Her perform consistently explores the female gaze, social issues, and complex relationships, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Early Career and “Nearby” (2019)

Zariņa reshaped contemporary Latvian cinema with her debut feature, Nearby (2019). The film was praised for its contemporary experience, naturalistic dialogue, and strong female perspective. She was awarded the title of Best Screenwriter of the Year in Latvia for this work.

Expanding into Television: “The Assistant” (2024)

Beyond film, Zariņa co-created the TV drama series The Assistant (2024), a candid exploration of social issues in contemporary Latvia. A mini-series she co-directed was screened during the Boston Baltic Film Festival’s virtual festival last year.

“Flesh, Blood, Even a Heart” and International Recognition

Zariņa’s second feature film, Flesh, Blood, Even a Heart, premiered in Latvia in March 2026, following its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The film centers on Liv, a woman in her 30s grappling with body insecurities and her relationship with her estranged father, who falls into a coma.

The film has received significant recognition, garnering nominations in 10 categories for the Latvian National Film Awards. Zariņa has described the film as a “humorous story of my generation about collective traumas and forgiveness.”

Themes and Style

A recurring theme in Zariņa’s work is the exploration of the female experience. Her short documentary, II Lines, focused on abortion experiences and received several national cinema awards. She often tackles tricky subjects with a blend of humor, humanity, and a willingness to examine uncomfortable truths.

Beyond Filmmaking

Zariņa is similarly active in advertising, where she has received both local and international awards for her distinctive social campaigns. She is also known for her outspoken public positions and activism, which were recognized with the Latvian PEN Award.

Upcoming Projects

Zariņa is currently in mid-production with her sophomore feature, Impressions / Nospiedumi, which explores themes of slow death, fear of abandonment, and emotional estrangement. The project received 200,000 EUR in support from the National Film Centre of Latvia in 2022, with a total budget of 500,000 EUR.